Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh

Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh rejoined New Silk Route Advisors after serving as Finance Minister of Pakistan for three years until March 2013. Dr. Shaikh has held senior leadership positions with the Pakistani government and worked at the World Bank and Harvard University. His international experience covers over twenty countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa.

As Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Dr. Shaikh managed the economy during the country’s transition to democracy. This included successful management of a new national finance award, financial reforms, anti-inflation policies and innovative social safety programs.

Dr. Shaikh has also held other roles with the government of Pakistan during his career, including Minister for Investment and Privatization, as well as Minister for Finance and Planning for the Sindh Province. In addition, he was a three-time member of Pakistan’s Senate.

His tenure as Minister for Privatisation & Investment (2003-2006) was the most successful period for privatization and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan’s history. Thirty-four transactions totaling over $5 billion were completed in various sectors, including telecommunications, banking, electricity and manufacturing. In addition, shares in many companies were sold to the public, creating broad public ownership. During Dr. Shaikh’s tenure, FDI in Pakistan increased from $1 billion to $5 billion.

As Minister for Finance, Planning & Development in Sindh Province (2000-2002), Dr. Shaikh was the architect of the financial recovery of Sindh. He helped implement important reforms in finance and taxation.

Dr. Shaikh has been elected to the Senate of Pakistan three times. He was given the award of Pakistan’s “Man of the Year” in 2004 by the business community in recognition of his contributions to the country.

As a senior official at the World Bank (1992-2000), Dr. Shaikh advised many countries on the economy, financial and corporate restructurings, and transactions across various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, transport, telecom and manufacturing.

Prior to joining the World Bank Dr. Shaikh worked at Harvard University (1989-1992).

Dr. Shaikh was a General Partner at New Silk Route Advisors from 2007 to 2010 before becoming Finance Minister of Pakistan.

New Silk Route Advisors, LP (“NSR Advisors”) is supported by an experienced team of investment professionals at New Silk Route Advisors Private Ltd in India and NSR Advisors has professionals in Dubai.